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People in Jamaica have been told to evacuate due to “danger to life” hurricane melissa falls down Caribbean Island at speed.
category 5 hurricane Expected to bring “disastrous” flash flood,” “Very landslide,” and “life-threatening storm surge and destructive waves” with maximum sustained wind speeds of 175 mph, according to the US. National Hurricane Center (NHC),
At least seven people have already died, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic. One person is missing.
the storm will pass Jamaica at the peak of its intensity, and is expected to loses force as soon as it crosses sea to reach Cuba, but would still have destructive power.
Melissa originated in West Africa, first forming a tropical wave that was picked up by monitors on October 16. It crossed the Atlantic to the Windward Islands, and then slowly moved westward into the Caribbean Sea.
Its slow motion increased its intensity, with the storm gaining strength as it moved at 5 mph winds for several days, producing a formidable and record-breaking force that is expected to bring wind speeds of at least 157 mph when it hits land.
The NHC warned that Melissa was expected to bring 15 to 30 inches (38.1 cm to 76.2 cm) of rain to Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, with a maximum of 40 inches (101.6 cm) expected. Rainfall between 10 inches (25.4 cm) and 15 inches (38.1 cm) are expected in eastern Cuba.
Melissa is expected to reach Jamaica early Tuesday, breaking the record for the most powerful hurricane ever to hit the island. The most powerful hurricane ever recorded was Gilbert in 1988, which recorded winds of 130 mph.
The hurricane, which has been upgraded to a Category 5, was last recorded about 310 miles (500 km) south-southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba, and about 135 miles (215 km) southwest of Kingston, Jamaica.
“Many of these communities will not survive this flooding,” Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie told a news conference on Monday. “Kingston is low, extremely low. No community in Kingston is exempt from flooding.”
Jamaica’s Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon said the strength of the storm was unprecedented: “We’ve heard rainfall figures. These are figures we’ve never heard before.”
The National Hurricane Center warned that Melissa was likely to result in “widespread infrastructure damage, long-lasting power and communications outages, and isolated communities.”
Dixon said the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency stands ready to provide assistance to those affected, and added that several international partners have already pledged assistance for areas affected by the impending disaster.
Ivan Thompson, principal director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, said that Melissa could be the most powerful hurricane to hit Jamaica in decades, and warned that expected landslides, flooding and blocked roads would cause serious delays in cleanup and damage assessment.
There are approximately 900 shelters throughout Jamaica that are expected to house evacuated members of the public.
“Do not leave your safe shelter,” advice from the Miami-based NHC said.
“Destructive and life-threatening flash floods and multiple landslides are likely from today through Tuesday. Damaging winds, especially in the mountains, will begin this evening, causing widespread infrastructural damage, long-lasting power and communication outages, and isolated communities.
“Life-threatening storm surge and damaging waves are expected to hit the southern coast through Tuesday.”
The NHC warned that Melissa’s intensity was expected to increase throughout the day, with additional strengthening forecast for Monday.
It said Melissa was expected to fluctuate in strength and intensity before reaching Jamaica early Tuesday.
Travelers in Jamaica have been warned not to try to leave the island until their flights have been confirmed.
Kingston Airport warned British citizens: “Passengers, please contact your airline to rebook. Do not go to the airport.”
Hundreds of British travelers are stranded on the island due to flight cancellations.